HEWI Mag / References

Robust sanitary solutions in the Axel Springer publishing house

Communication, exchange, encounter: what characterizes the media world of the future is translated into modern architecture in the form of the new Axel Springer building by Rem Koolhaas, architect and founder of the renowned architecture firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA).In this article, you will find out how robust barrier-free sanitary solutions blend in harmoniously and support people with impairments.

Clear lines, wide spaces full of light: a modern architectural style as a creative workshop

The light-flooded cube between Axel-Springer-, Zimmer-, Schützen- and Jerusalemer Straße shows where the path of the media world can lead in the former newspaper district. The new building directly opposite the golden publishing house is both a symbol and a signpost for the radical transformation of Axel Springer in the digital age.

The interior design invites people to meet and communicate: personal exchange and mutual inspiration are also to be supported by the design of the new Axel Springer building, which provides space for around 3,000 employees. The employees of the media and technology company work in light-flooded, generously dimensioned rooms, which give an idea of the creative character of an artist's workshop.

The "work sphere" appears almost huge, with its enormous room height reminiscent of medieval cathedrals. The work areas are distributed in the style of an open terraced landscape, each one an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and pause together.

Axel Springer has initiated the switch from print to digital media. The new building in Berlin is a symbol and tool for this change. 

Spectacular eye-catcher on the former death strip: the new publishing house combines tradition and future

Seen from the outside, the design created by OMA is an expression of the importance that the clients have in the German media landscape. Here, the media and technology company not only stages the transition to the digital age, but also the path towards new forms in the world of work.

Appropriately opulent and yet not out of time, this accelerator of cultural change makes an impression. Dark tinted glass surfaces are interrupted by lighter elements in 3-D optics. Filigree columns support wide cantilevered ceilings; bridges, staircases and corridors connect the different levels.

Built directly along the site where the Wall once divided Berlin in two, the building now stands as a symbol of the answers to challenges now and in the future - not just for the digital world of work.   

The terraced floors provide places to think and share ideas. 

Dutch star architecture for the future of the media world

The Office for Metropolitan Architecture is one of the most important architectural firms in the world in recent decades. In addition to XL architecture and the planning of entire city districts for sustainable metropolises, the office continues to set new standards in the architecture of large-scale urban buildings with architectural designs such as the new Axel Springer building. 

Quality in accessibility and safety

It is not only in the architecture of the building that Rem Koolhaas's team attaches great importance to design and quality. The architects also placed high demands on the design in combination with functional use in the area of accessibility and safety in the building. 

Reduced design

The classic version of the Range 805 from HEWI enables functional room design in round tube design in sanitary areas. The stainless steel version integrates itself completely into the room due to its reduced design. Made of satin stainless steel, Series 805 Classic offers many advantages: The material is particularly robust and easy to clean. 

Reliable and permanently functioning hardware solutions

The safety of people was another important aspect in the planning and equipping of the new Axel Springer building. Securing escape and rescue routes is of particular importance here. HEWI panic bars on the escape doors of the new Axel Springer building can be operated intuitively with minimum effort and enable rapid escape in an emergency. 

Learn more about accessible solutions in architecture.

Get new perspectives on universal design, get inspired by architectural solutions and discover how creative accessibility can be!

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Details

Object type

Public

Photos

Nils Koenning

Location

Berlin

Architect

Rem Koolhaas, OMA, Rotterdam

Modernization

2019

builder

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